i didnt like the exon either which is why i got the tallon
I'm also sold on the Osprey Talon 44 for the following reasons (taking for granted that I consider the size and design are ok) .
1. I figure to remove the floating top pocket & place it inside the pack which will I think, with judicious packing, enable me to take it on board as cabin baggage.
2. It will take my disassembled pacer poles inside, carefully placed to appear on scanners as part of the pack's frame.
3. It is the most comfortable pack I've tried - and I really tried hard to like those like those osprey/deuter/gregory/others with the net panel sytem that rests against your back. That is such a good idea but the Talon just transfers the load to the hips better and to me that's more important.
4. I have trawled all the reviews and watched all the videos and the consensus I gather is that the Talon efficiently transfers the weight close to your centre of gravity enabling an upright, stable, balanced stance.
Being adverse to dingley danglies I'll lop off superfluous straps/buckes/ice pick holders.
Gerard